CBP opens call for ports infrastructure project proposals

The DAP is a mechanism that border stakeholders may use to invest in and expedite port of entry infrastructure and technology improvements, among other benefits.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Donations Acceptance Program (DAP) announced Monday its upcoming Fiscal 2017 large-scale proposal submission period, open to port operators and government entities in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The submission period will remain open for 40 days, from Oct. 3 to Nov. 11, 2016.

The Donations Acceptance Program enables CBP, in collaboration with U.S. General Services Administration, to partner with private sector and government entities on U.S. ports of entry, to perform infrastructure and technology improvements.

“We encourage local port operators and government entities to consider this program for port infrastructure and technology improvements,” said Marcelino Borges, director of Field Operations for Puerto Rico and the USVI.

“Ports of entry in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands qualify for this program, which is expected to support increased traffic flow and volume, and yield other transportation and security-related benefits,” he said.

The submission period applies to proposals that are expected to cost more than $3 million (for example, new facilities, major renovations, expansions, or other large-scale infrastructure improvements). Proposals that are expected to cost $3 million or less (for example, small land donations, minor facility enhancements and lane expansions, and equipment and technologies), may be submitted year-round, the agency said.

The DAP is a mechanism that border stakeholders may use to invest in and expedite port of entry infrastructure and technology improvements; improvements that seek to reduce wait times, facilitate throughput, and create a more secure, efficient, and reliable border transportation network, CBP further noted.